Employee Spotlight: Jonathan Adelman

Employee spotlight regularly features outstanding non-supervisory personnel from throughout the Defense Logistics Agency Aviation and other DLA employees on Defense Supply Center Richmond, Virginia. Organizational directors may submit names of employees they wish to feature in this column to DLA Aviation Public Affairs.

Name: Jonathan Adelman

Organization: DLA at Ogden

Years of service: 2 years

What is your job title and what do you do specifically? I am a material expediter, and it's my job to receive materiel, components, assemblies and parts. I also expedite critical parts that have the biggest impact on Air Force production. Some of the aircraft I support are the Air Force's A-10C Thunderbolt II, the F-15 Eagle and the F-22 Raptor.

Why did you decide to work for DLA? A family member who works for DLA who told me of the many opportunities you get, so I started with the agency as a contractor. I then heard other DLA employees talking about the benefits of working civil service and the different career paths you can take within DLA along with tuition assistance for those who qualify. They also spoke about the impact DLA has on supporting the U.S. military. I decided to start working towards a career in DLA.

What do you like most about your job? I like that my job allows me to be physically active, but I also work at a computer. This job provides the aspects of both environments along with a sense of accomplishment after a busy day.

What is your fondest memory of working for DLA Aviation? I was given an overseas opportunity to help establish DLA Aviation in the Indo- Pacific region. It's a great leap forward in supporting the military in its endeavors, especially when we gain the momentum needed to establish a presence in other regions as well. It gives other DLA personnel the chance to travel to overseas to different countries, experience new things and benefit their career in the long run.

What do you see as your biggest challenge right now? I want to start advancing my career within DLA by going to school. I have an idea of which career path I want to take and what I need to do to. I need to find out what curriculum is required, then find the correct school or institute that offers the best choices and apply for DLA's tuition assistance. The challenge will be keeping a good balance of school, work and personal life while on the road to completing my career path.

If you could speak directly to the warfighters you support, what would you tell them? I am grateful to be a part of the whole picture in supporting the warfighters because I know my small part is a necessary piece to accomplish the entire job.

What are some of your passions outside of work? I play quite a bit of golf and just recently started getting into pickleball. I also am a member of a bowling league bowling and bowl tournaments when available.

What's the most thrilling or adventurous thing you have ever done? Whiles overseas, I went saltwater fishing for the first time and managed to catch a couple of fish, and one was a tuna. I was surprised at how much of fight it put up.

What is your favorite military aircraft? The U.S. Air Force SR-71 Blackbird is considered the fastest jet-propelled aircraft ever built, with a top speed achieved of Mach 3.3. While it is now retired, it could operate 85,000 feet above earth and is the only known reconnaissance aircraft to have never been shot down by missiles.

What is the most surprising or unexpected thing others don't know about you? I am left-handed. Most everyone that has gotten to know me are always surprised when they find this out.